San Antonio, TX – The chief executive officer of the company behind the
redevelopment of San Antonio's Pearl Brewery complex delivered the commencement
address at The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) campus there on Friday,
April 11. Ken Halliday of Silver Ventures advised graduates about the
importance of passion and priorities during the ceremony. Within the last
decade, Silver Ventures has turned Pearl into an emerging urban culinary and
cultural destination along the River Walk. The CIA opened a campus at Pearl in
2008.

"If you do what you are really passionate about, you will
excel at it and you won't work a day in your life," Mr. Halliday told 10 recipients
of Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degrees in culinary arts.

Halliday encouraged students to keep a balance between their
careers and personal lives, something he didn't learn until he was diagnosed
with cancer in 2010. "It was a heck of a wake-up call. My priorities were
suddenly in sharp focus. I saw clearly what was really important," said
Halliday, adding that he is now doing well medically. "Be clear about what your
priorities are and then objectively ask yourself if you are honoring your
priorities in how you are living your life."

Founded in 1946, The Culinary Institute of America is an independent,
not-for-profit college offering associate and bachelor's degrees with majors in
culinary arts, baking and pastry arts, and culinary science, as well as
certificate programs in culinary arts and wine and beverage studies. As the
world's premier culinary college, the CIA provides thought leadership in the
areas of health & wellness, sustainability, and world cuisines &
cultures through research and conferences. The CIA has a network of 46,000
alumni that includes industry leaders such as Grant Achatz,
Anthony Bourdain, Roy Choi, Cat Cora, Dan Coudreaut, Steve Ells, Charlie Palmer, and Roy Yamaguchi. The CIA also offers courses for
professionals and enthusiasts, as well as consulting services in support of
innovation for the foodservice and hospitality industry. The college has
campuses in Hyde Park, NY; St. Helena, CA; San Antonio, TX; and Singapore.